*Reaffirms support for LG autonomy
*Argues that economic challenges real, not new in Nigeria
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has appealed to Nigerians to embrace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reforms to ensure economic growth.
He highlighted Katsina’s sustained progress in driving MSME-led economic growth.
Governor Radda, who appeared on Sunrise Daily, Channels Television’s flagship morning programme, shared insights on the newly signed tax reform law and highlighted Katsina State’s sustained progress in driving economic growth through Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Governor Radda expressed appreciation for the passage of the new tax law, noting that while Northern Governors initially raised reservations, their concerns were rooted in protecting citizens, not in opposition to the Federal Government.
“What we saw during that process was a demonstration of unity and support for the Nigerian government.
“Our concern was always about the implications of any law on our people. Now that it has been signed with nationwide consensus, we expect this reform to support economic growth and improve living standards,” he said.
He particularly highlighted the tax reliefs granted to small businesses under the new law, which he described as “a big win for the Nigerian economy.”
Drawing from his experience as the former Director-General of SMEDAN (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria), the Governor said he had long championed policies that would relieve the burden on MSMEs.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. And I’m glad that after years of advocacy, we finally have a framework that reflects their importance,” he said.
When asked about Katsina’s leading role in MSME support, as recently praised by the current DG of SMEDAN, Governor Radda detailed the significant institutional and financial investments made under his administration.
He noted that one of his earliest policy actions as governor was to establish the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), a dedicated body focused on MSME development.
KASEDA, he said, was backed by law through the State House of Assembly and has been robustly funded to the tune of over ₦5 billion. That amount was further matched through partnerships with the Bank of Industry (BOI), Sterling Bank, and SMEDAN, bringing the total support to nearly ₦10 billion.
“But it wasn’t just about money. We undertook a baseline survey to categorise MSMEs across the state and rolled out a network of Business Development Agents (BDAs) in every ward. These agents were trained, given laptops, and positioned to guide local entrepreneurs with both technical and business support,” he added.
He further stated that funding was carefully structured: “Some MSMEs received grants, others accessed interest-free loans, while the state government absorbed both interest and administrative charges. The support extended beyond finance to include vocational training and infrastructure.
“In collaboration with SMEDAN, the state’s Industrial Development Centre (IDC) was equipped with modern tools for ICT and fashion entrepreneurs.”
According to the Governor, “the idea was to provide a working space for MSMEs who otherwise couldn’t afford such high-cost machinery.
“Our goal is simple. Make Katsina a state where anyone with a skill or idea can succeed in business regardless of their background or resources.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a strong, inclusive economy powered by local enterprises and sustained by good governance.
Governor Radda reaffirms support for LG autonomy
Katsina state Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his support for Local Government autonomy, stressing accountability, which would ensure development in the health, education, and agriculture sectors at the grassroots.
Governor Radda reiterated his strong support for local government autonomy, while emphasising the critical role of accountability and oversight in managing public resources.
Speaking during a live appearance on Sunrise Daily, Channels Television’s flagship morning show, Governor Radda also highlighted Katsina State’s strides in improving the standard of living through strategic interventions in healthcare, education, and agriculture.
When asked about the ongoing debate on local government autonomy and whether governors are truly committed to decentralising power, Governor Radda said he could not speak for other states but made it clear that Katsina’s experience supports full autonomy—if checks and balances are in place.
“I was once a local government chairman in this state for six years. I operated under autonomy, and that period helped shape my political journey. I’m in full support of local government autonomy, but we must ensure mechanisms are in place to monitor how funds are used. Accountability is key,” he said.
Governor Radda explained that while the law on full autonomy might not yet be implemented nationwide, Katsina State has already adopted a practical model.
“Every month, we sit down with our local government chairmen. We give them their funds, they present their projects, and we monitor implementation. That’s transparency. That’s partnership. Development can only happen when federal, state, and local governments complement one another,” he said.
He added that his only caution lies in securing essential services under any autonomous structure, particularly the salaries and welfare of teachers, healthcare workers, and pensioners.
“We must ensure these obligations are not neglected under autonomy. With proper oversight from the Ministry of Local Government and Local Government Auditors, we can prevent misuse and guarantee better service delivery,” he noted.
On the issue of hardship across Nigeria and whether the policies of his government have made any measurable difference, Governor Radda highlighted that Katsina has taken a data-driven approach to governance.
“We established a Bureau of Statistics to help us monitor poverty levels, the number of out-of-school children, and overall wellbeing. From the data, we know our interventions are working,” he said.
He cited the recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, which ranked Katsina number one in ease of living—attributed to government efforts to keep the cost of food and water low.
“We have intervened at several levels—especially in agriculture. At one point, we sold bags of rice at ₦20,000 to support underprivileged families. Even now, we have food reserves that we’ll release if the need arises,” the Governor said.
He also noted that policies aimed at women and youth empowerment, combined with education and healthcare investments, have begun yielding results.
“More children have returned to school because of improved security and access to new schools. Our schools are now open and fully operational,” he said.
Governor Radda also spoke extensively on the healthcare reforms in the state: “We now have over 200 functional primary healthcare centers operating 24/7 across our 361 wards.
“We’re equipping them with vehicles to support emergency transfers. We’ve upgraded more than seven centers to general hospitals and are building one of the largest public imaging centers in Nigeria. We also established one of the biggest public dialysis centers in the country—all right here in Katsina.”
While acknowledging that it might take time for the broader public to witness these changes firsthand, Governor Radda was confident that real progress is being made, “it is happening. The numbers don’t lie. The stories of our people confirm it. The work continues.”
Economic challenges real, not new in Nigeria – Governor Radda
Katsina state Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has assured Nigerians that better days are coming under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that even though economic challenges are real, they are not new in Nigeria.
Governor Radda spoke on national hardship, youth Empowerment, and health reforms, saying, “Nigeria’s problems demand truth, not recycled promises.”
Governor Radda offered a frank and reflective take on Nigeria’s economic situation while highlighting practical steps his administration is taking to reduce hardship, boost employment, and reform healthcare.
Speaking during a live appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television breakfast show, Governor Radda admitted that the economic pain many Nigerians feel today is genuine but not unprecedented.
He reminded viewers that economic frustrations have existed across various administrations from Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan to the Shehu Shagari era and even under military rule.
“Nobody should deny there is hardship in Nigeria. But the question we should ask ourselves is: what are we doing to fix it? In Katsina, we are not waiting for miracles. We’re acting—especially in agriculture, where 90% of our people depend on farming,” Governor Radda said.
Governor Radda highlighted his administration’s wide reaching interventions in agriculture as a path to food security and economic recovery.
He explained that, “we’re subsidizing inputs, offering access to tractors, and scaling up extension services. Our goal is simple: if the average man can feed his family, his burden is reduced, and he can focus on building his livelihood.”
He also spoke about Katsina’s major youth training initiative, which equips young people including graduates with modern agricultural skills.
“We are training them for six months. When they finish, we give them land, startup capital, and support. They don’t just become farmers they become employers,” he said.
Addressing growing political commentary around a new coalition forming in Nigeria, Governor Radda urged Nigerians to be wary of recycled narratives.
“Who are these people in the coalition? What exactly is new about them? If they want to return fuel subsidy, they should say how they’ll fund it. Where will the money come from?
“We must stop deceiving Nigerians. Most of those shouting now were in power before. If they have new ideas, let them show it. But as politicians, we must first clean ourselves up only then can we move this country forward,” he added.
Governor Radda also touched on his administration’s ongoing health sector reforms.
Responding to a question about staffing of health centers, he said infrastructure is being matched with human capacity development, “we are training personnel to operate new equipment and provide modern services. We opened a recruitment portal for doctors in the state, and it’s still active.”
He went on to explain that Katsina has already recruited a number of doctors, and sent 40 students to Egypt to study medicine each tied to serve their local governments upon return, “we’re making plans to recruit over 7,000 health workers across the state, and by God’s grace, we hope to engage an additional 3,000.”
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